Mutual of Omaha Reminder: OKTA Registration for SPA Deadline

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REMINDER – All users of Sales Professional Access (SPA) must register for Okta prior to February 24th. We encourage agents to register for Okta immediately to avoid potential business disruption. Okta is a two-factor authentication process.

SPA login credentials cannot be shared. After successfully registering for Okta, you will continue to use the same SPA website (mutualofomaha.com/broker) as you previously have. To login, you will use your SPA username (not email address) and password.

 

Before registering for Okta, ensure your contact information on SPA is current. The contact information on filed will be used for authentication.

 

Step 1 – Verify Contact Information on SPA

  • Log on to Sales Professional Access (mutualofomaha.com/broker)
  • In the upper right-hand corner, select the image of the person
  • Select “Profile”
  • Review your information
  • Update as needed your email address, mailing addresses and/or phone numbers
  • Make note of your username which is located under the PROFILE tab
  • If any changes are made, click “Update”

 

Step 2 – Register for Okta

  • Open a browser window and go to login.mutualofomaha.com
  • This site is for Okta registration only and authentication management
  • Enter your SPA Username and click Next
    • If you are unsure of your username or password, click here for instructions on how to identify this information.
  • Enter SPA password and click Sign In
  • Choose a forgot password question
  • Select a security image and click Create my Account
  • A list of two-factor authentication methods (Okta verify app, text, voice and email) will appear. Select at least one method (we highly suggest two)

 

Step 3 – Determine if you need to add Authorized Users to your Account

  • Offices in which multiple individuals needs to access SPA will need to set up each individual as an Authorized User. SPA login credentials cannot be shared
  • To add authorized users, login to SPA
  • Select the profile image in the upper right corner and select Account Access Management
  • Add authorized users by completing the required fields. Ensure you use the correct date of birth for each user added
  • Determine the access level for each authorized user
  • Authorized users will receive an email from Mutual of Omaha. They should follow the steps in the email to complete the setup process

 

ACCESS MUTUAL’S HOW TO GUIDE TO ADD AN AUTHROIZED USER TO YOUR SPA ACCOUNT WITH OKTA

Lumico News: Upcoming Med Sup Rate Adjustments in Certain States

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Pulled from Lumico Broker Announcement from 2/10/22:

 

Effective March 1, there will be a rate adjustment for Lumico’s Med Supp Plans A, F, G and N in 17 states, and basic plan and riders in Wisconsin.

This will affect existing policyholders in the following states: AL, FL, IA, KS, KY, MD, MO, ND, NM, NV, OR, PA, SD, UT, VA, WI, WV and WY.

 Communications are being sent to existing policyholders based on their upcoming rate adjustment date. We recommend agents contact their clients in these states who may be impacted.

For new sales: The rate adjustment will also be applicable to new sales in these states, with the exception of IA, ND, SD and UT. Applications with a sign off date prior to 3/1/2022 will be issued a policy with the current rates in effect for the upcoming 12-month period. Any application with a sign off date on 3/1/2022 or later will be subject to the new rates.

 

If you have any questions, please contact CSM’s Michelle Kapp

Tech Tip: Cybersecurity Myths, Busted!

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Security Hints & Tips: Cybersecurity Myths – BUSTED!

It’s time for a pop quiz: Which of the following is a myth?

  1. Only people in high-power positions are targets of cybersecurity attacks.
  2. High-tech hackers pose the highest threat to your organization.
  3. Cybersecurity is a highly technical process that only your IT department can handle.
  4. Security awareness only really matters when you’re at work.
  5. Smart devices are rarely targeted by cybercriminals.

Did you find the myth? Hopefully you did, because this was a trick question! Each of these is a common cybersecurity myth. Read on to learn the truth behind these misconceptions:

Myth #1: Only people in high-power positions are targets of cybersecurity attacks.
Executives and administrators are prime targets for cybercriminals, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only targets. Scammers attack every level of an organization, looking for gaps in security. After all, it only takes one hacked machine to access your entire network.

Myth #2: High-tech hackers pose the highest threat to your organization.
You may imagine a cyberattack as the use of highly sophisticated technology to break down firewalls and decode user passwords. But in truth, it is much more likely that Dave wrote his password on a sticky note and it fell into the wrong hands. Human error is an easy target for cybercriminals, so stay alert!

Myth #3: Cybersecurity is a highly technical process that only your IT department can handle.
The security tools that your IT department manages are important, but technology can only do so much. These security measures can’t stop an employee from sending sensitive information within an email. Creating a human firewall, made up of each and every employee, is essential to the security of your organization. Security is everyone’s responsibility.

Myth #4: Security awareness only really matters when you’re at work.
Your organization’s at-work policies and compliance regulations may not be necessary in your home life, but security awareness still matters. Scammers could phish your personal email for bank accounts, login credentials, or even personally identifiable information, which can be used to perform identity theft.

Myth #5: Smart devices are rarely targeted by cybercriminals.
Nearly everyone has a smartphone and many people use smart devices throughout their homes. From smart speakers to security cameras to lightbulbs, all of these gadgets connect to the internet. As these devices become the norm, cybercriminals happily accommodate. Treat smart devices the same way you would treat any other computer. Always use strong passwords, install antivirus and anti-malware software, and keep these devices up-to-date with the latest security patches.

WellCare: 2021 Year End Tax Statement Information

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Sourced from WellCare Broker Bulletin from 2/1/22: 

 

We want to inform you that 1099 Year End Tax Statements were mailed to the shipping address on file as of January 31, 2022. To receive a 1099 Statement for tax year 2021, the broker or agency must have received $600 or more from Centene (Comprehensive Health Management).

If you have not received a 1099 Statement by February 14, 2022 or have questions about the statement you received, please submit a support ticket in Agent Connect, which can be accessed through the Single Sign-On Portal.

Please refer to page 38 of the 2021 Agent Connect User Guide for instructions on creating a support ticket.

 

If you have any questions, please consulate your CSM representative here – service@cornerstoneseniormarketing.com

Medical Mutual of Ohio: MedMutual Advantage® PPO Plans Available for Year-Round Enrollment

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Sourced from MMO’s Special Broker Update Email from 1/26/22:

 

Medical Mutual is happy to announce our MedMutual Advantage PPO plans received Medicare’s highest rating, 5 out of 5 Stars, for 2022. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) rates Medicare Advantage plans annually on the quality of their health and drug services.

  • Medical Mutual was awarded 5 out of 5 Stars for providing members access to the care they need when they need it and helping them quickly make any necessary healthcare appointments
  • Medical Mutual achieved 5 out of 5 Stars for providing top-notch customer service
  • Medical Mutual attained 5 out of 5 Stars by delivering the highest quality healthcare coverage to their members on a consistent basis

Because of this high ranking, Medicare beneficiaries can use the one-time 5-Star Special Enrollment Period (SEP) anytime until Nov. 30, 2022, to switch to a MedMutual Advantage PPO plan. Medicare Advantage plans are a great choice for clients who are looking to change and upgrade their access to healthcare coverage.

How to Apply:

If your clients prefer to enroll in a MedMutual Advantage PPO plan during this SEP with a paper application, they will need to use an updated Enrollment Form instead of the one included in the enrollment booklet. This updated form is available on MyBrokerLink. We have also updated our online application for this SEP. The online application is our preferred enrollment method. When filling out either form, your client should indicate that he or she is joining a plan with a 5-Star Enrollment Period.

Marketing Collateral Material Available:

We are developing a number of marketing materials you can use with your clients during this SEP, including fliers, postcards and advertisements. Your Medical Mutual Account Manager can help you identify the appropriate material for your audience and customize it with your contact information.

5-Star SEP Marketing Rules & Limitations:

  • Clients can only switch to a 5-Star rated plan one time during the SEP
  • Any reference to the overall Star rating must make it clear the rating is “5 out of 5 Stars” for Medical Mutual’s 2022 MedMutual Advantage PPO plans. This should not imply that our highly rated 4.5-Star HMO plans are available during the SEP
  • Medicare clients can be informed the 5-Star SEP is available and they can be enrolled in a 5-Star plan from Dec. 8, 2021-Nov. 30, 2022
  • You are not permitted to specifically reach out to clients enrolled in lower-rated plans nor tell them to specifically request this SEP
  • You can put out general marketing communications or announcements to all clients who have the option to switch to a 5-Star plan during this SEP and encourage them to contact you to learn more

Marketing Material Requirements:

  • All materials must include the appropriate disclaimer that refers to Star ratings:
    • “Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-Star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next.”
  • Marketing materials cannot specifically target enrollees in poor performing plans

You may include CMS’ gold star icon on materials that clearly relate to the contract that received 5 out of 5 Stars. It is prohibited to create your own gold star icon.

 

 

NEW! Aetna Supplemental E-Signature Option for CSG E-Apps

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Exciting News! 

 

Aetna Senior Supplemental has approved their security questions signature for CSG Actuarial E-Apps! Agents can now EASILY capture signatures over the phone or in person with this option.

This is approved for all over the phone/remote sales.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to your CSM Representative.

January 2022 Compliance Corner: OEP Marketing Do’s & Don’ts

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Information sourced from Cornerstone Senior Marketing’s Medicare Agent Marketing Guidelines & our Agent Compliance Guide: 

 

OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD

During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) which runs from January 1 to March
31 each year, beneficiaries can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or go
back to Original Medicare. However, during OEP agents may not knowingly target or send
unsolicited marketing materials to any MA or Part D enrollee. “Knowingly” takes into account
the intended recipient as well as the content of the message.

During OEP, agents may:
• Conduct marketing activities based on other enrollment opportunities, such as:
○ Marketing to age-ins (who have not yet made an enrollment decision),
○ Marketing for a 5-star plan, and
○ Marketing to dual-eligible and LIS beneficiaries who, in general, may make changes once per
calendar quarter during the first nine months of the year.

• Send marketing materials when a beneficiary makes a proactive request; and

• Have one-on-one meetings at the beneficiary’s request

 

During OEP, agents may not:
• Conduct activities or send unsolicited materials advertising the ability/opportunity to
make an additional enrollment change or referencing the OEP;

• Specifically target individuals who are in the OEP because they made a choice during
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) by purchase of mailing lists or other means of
identification;

• Call or otherwise contact former enrollees who have selected a new plan during the AEP.

 

MARKETING TIP: OEP is a great time to shift to Age-In or other SEP activities. We also
suggest using this time to reach out to your clients who enrolled in a plan during AEP to
check in to confirm they know how to use their benefits or if they have any question. Doing
so will go a long way with customer retention and satisfaction, will help reduce member
complaints, and can spark a request for permissible marketing information.

WellCare: OEP – Top 10 Leading Counties & Plans

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Sourced from WellCare Broker Communication from 1/20/22:

Open Enrollment Period: Top 10 Leading Counties & Plans

Our top 3 plans dominating in our top counties are:
• Wellcare No Premium (HMO)
• Wellcare Dual Access (HMO D-SNP)
• Wellcare Giveback (HMO)

Current Elective SEP Codes:
• SEP LIS
• SEP Medicaid

 

 

If you have any questions regarding WellCare plans and benefits please contact your Cornerstone Senior Marketing representative for more information.

Update from Anthem Ohio Regarding Welcome Kits & ID Cards

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Anthem updates on the welcome kits and cards that are being sent out to Ohio clients.

Member Welcome Kit Includes (See link below for more details):

  • Member ID card
  • New member checklist
  • Instructions on how to set up their introduction call

OTC Welcome Kit Includes (See link below for more details):

  • OTC card
  • Important tips on using the OTC card
  • How to use the OTC card guide
  • List of retail stores where members can use their OTC cards

Flex Card:

  • Pre-activated Mastercard that is ready to use when delivered
  • To check the balance of their account members can visit https://mymedicareflexaccount.com or call member services at 1-833-299-5088 and choose the option to hear their current balance.

 

DOWNLOAD ANTHEM GUIDE HERE

 

Lastly, Please be sure to visit Anthem Broker Connection website (using Google Chrome) to register for upcoming trainings https://www.anthembrokerconnection.com/#/home.

 

 

 

IMPORTANT AETNA OHIO NETWORK UPDATE: TRINITY – MOUNT CARMEL HEALTH SYSTEM

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Negotiations Completed with Trinity – Mount Carmel Health System – OH in the Central Ohio network

Aetna announced they have reached a new multi-year agreement with Trinity – Mount Carmel Health System – OH effective 01/01/2022. Trinity will be sending out a patient letter. As a result of this successful negotiation process, Trinity – Mount Carmel Health System – OH will continue to participate in Aetna’s Central Ohio network for the following products:

• Open Choice® PPO
• Aetna Open Access® Managed Choice® POS
• Aetna Select℠
• Aetna Open Access® Elect Choice® EPO
• Quality Point-of-Service® (QPOS®)
• Aetna Health Network Only℠ (HNO)
• Aetna Medicare℠ Plan (HMO)
• National Advantage Program (NAP)
• Mount Carmel Neighborhood Network
• Central Ohio Primary Care Managed Choice • Aetna Choice® POS II
• Managed Choice® POS
• Open Access Aetna Select℠
• HMO
• Aetna Choice® POS
• Aetna Health Network Option℠ (HNO)
• Aetna Medicare℠ Plan (PPO)
• Aetna Premier Care Network℠
• Aetna Whole Health℠ – (NAME OF ACO
• National Advantage™ Program

There has been no interruption to member access because an agreement was reached before the contract’s termination date. Member letters were never released; therefore, retraction member letters are not necessary.

 

Provider Search/directory information
Trinity – Mount Carmel Health System – OH is included in Aetna’s online provider search tool and in their current printed provider directories.

Click HERE to read Trinity- Mount Carmel Health’s announcement regarding the completed negotiations.

 

 

Questions? Reach out to your Sales or Service Rep at any time!

614-763-2255

or by email:  service@ornerstoneseniormarketing.com